Automobile direction signal



-J. M. VlElRA ET AL AUTOMOBILE DIRECTION SIGNAL Oct. 19 1926. 1,603,819

Fi led August 21, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet l BY WMM M 27% A TTORNEYS.

J. M. VIEIRA ET AL AUTOMOBILE DIRECTION SIGNAL Filed August 21, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'IIIIIIIIIIIIMI/IMI/IIIIMfl/M Oct. 19 1926.

Patented Oct. 19, 1926.

hllTE STATES PATEN @IQE.

JOHN MATHEWS VIEIRA AND HENRY W. (:rROll/I, OF LOS ANGELEfi, CALIFORNIA.

AUTOMOBILE DIRECTION SIGNAL.

Application filed August 21, 1922. Serial No. 583,152.

This invention relates to a visible signal for indicating an intended change in direction of travel of a vehicle or an intended stop.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a signal of the character described comprising a plurality of visible indicators, one for a right turn, one for a left turn, and one for a stop, which indicators are normally concealed within a case and may be selectively projected as desired. These indicators preferably comprise po nting hands and are operated by individual solenoids. Another object of this invention is to provide novel means for operating the stop indicator hand. A further ob ect of this invention is to provide details of structure whereby a simple, efiicient, durable and positively operated structure is obtained.

These objects together with other ob ects and corresponding accomplishments are obtained by means of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the signal; Fig. 2 is a section as seen on the line 22 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section as seen on the line 33 of Fig. 1; Fig. a is a section as seen on the line H of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram showing the electrical connections.

The structure shown herein comprises the essentials of the present invention. The signal as actually installed will include means for illuminating the indicators at night and convenient means for controlling the signals, all of which are not pert nent to the present invention, but are essential to efficient operation.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, 6 indicates a case serving as a housing for the indicators and for the mecha: nism for operating same. The upper side of the housing is open to permit the projection of the indicators above the case. Mounted within the case are three solenoids 7 8, and 9. These solenoids are spaced from the bottom of the housing and have plungers 10, 11, and 12. The plungers are square in section and are guided in square openings through the solenoids. Secured to the top of plungers 10 and 11 are hands l3 and 14:. Hand 13 points to the right and indicates a right hand turn, and hand 14 a left hand turn. The hands are so positioned with respect tothe plungers and solenoids, that upon energization of either of the solenoids, the corresponding plunger will be drawn into the solenoid andthe hand lifted to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig; 4:. The square plunger riding in the square bore prevents the hand from turning.

The signal for a stop is a hand pointing downwardly as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. Secured to the plunger 12 is a stem having a cam head 15 at the top thereof. A hand 16 has an extension at the forefinger serving as a connection for pivoting the hand at the end of the finger to the case as indicated by 17. The cam head 15 rests against the forefinger when the hand is retracted, as shown in full lines in Fig. 3. It has a sloping slide edge for contacting with the finger and a depression forming a ledge. The tip of the finger rests in the ledge when the hand is raised and the parts are in such position as to hold the hand raised without requiring much force.

Upon energization of the solenoid 9, the hand is swung to the position shown in clotted lines in Fig. 3, the head 15 resting under the knuckle of the second tinge? of the hand.

The solenoids are so arranged that each can be independently energized. Referring particularly to Fig. 5, a source of electrical energy in indicated by 17, and for illustrative purposes, it is here indicated as a battery. A lead 18 connects one terminal of the battery with a common line 19 to which are connected branches 20, 21, and 22 leading to solenoids 7, 8, and 9 respectively. Leading from the other terminal of solenoid 7 is a conductor 23 connected to one point of a three point switch 24. Leading from the other terminal of solenoid 8 is a conductor 25 connected to another point of three point switch 2 1. Conductor 26 connects solenoid 9 to the remaining points of switch 2 1. A conductor 27 leads from the switch 2 1 to the other terminal of battery 17. Although a three point switch is here shown, any other suitable switch may be used or a plurality of switches. It is obvious that by closing the circuit to solenoid 7 by operation of switch 2 1, the solenoid will be energized and hand 13 will be raised into view. By operation of the switch to energize solenoid 8, hand M will be raised. The energization of solenoid 9 will raise hand 15 to point downward and indicate a stop.

What we claim is:

A device of the character described comprising a case, a plunger therein disposed to be raised and lowered, a cam head fixed to said plunger, a pointing hand pivoted at the end of the forefinger thereof upon a horizontal axis with the plane of said hand vertical, said cani head having a sloping finger contact face with a ledge and being disposed in contact with said forefinger to support the latter, said hand being concealed Within said case when said plunger is in'lower position and heingso arranged that upon raising said plunger said cam head will be raised and said hand will be swung into vertical position outside of said case, the tip of said forefinger resting in said ledge, and means to raise said plunger at will.

In Witness that We claim the foregoing We have hereunto subscribed our names this 15th day of August 1922.

JOHN MATHE'WS VIEIRA. HENRY WV. GROM. 

